Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It was the servant who had killed her rapist when Jiang Pengji had first arrived in that world. She originally worked at the kitchen and was then assigned to the guest rooms for a lighter workload.
The girl looked at Jiang Pengji, not knowing where to begin. The more panicked she was, the more difficult it was for her to utter the words, which made her even more anxious to speak.
She thought the langjun would be angry for her wasting his time, but after Jiang Pengji observed her from head to toe, she calmed her gently. “Take your time. There’s no hurry.
Although rules in the Liu’s house were not very strict, servants were required to stay where they worked. Dry mud was scattered on the girl’s clothes, socks, and shoes. The soil was not from the gardens because the gardeners would keep the earth humid, and mud there was stickier and in larger pieces. In other words, the dirt was from the guest rooms.
Their only visitors at the moment were Meng Liang and his servant. The clothing she was holding in her arms also belonged to Meng Liang.
Her dress was tidy and her hair clean and dry, which meant she had not fixed them again before she saw her. While she was scared, she did not appear to be desperate or indignant, so she did not come because Meng Liang had done something to her. Then what did she want to tell her?
The only reason she could think of was she had overheard something from Meng Liang and his servant.
Jiang Pengji drew a conclusion within the blink of an eye and softened her voice further. “You can tell me everything slowly.”
After a while, the servant finally composed herself a little, and stammered while repeating what she had heard.
As she said it, Jiang Pengji’s expressions did not change; it was as if she had expected it. After all, one could imagine what Meng Liang had said to shock the girl so much. When she finished, Jiang Pengji nodded. “You can stay here tonight.”
The girl’s face turned pale as she remembered her mortifying past.
Jiang Pengji clarified, “The two in the guest room will hurt you if you stay there. I’ll tell the housekeeper to arrange you to my yard tomorrow. Thank you for your timely caution. I didn’t suspect they could be so insane! I’ll not let them get away from this.”
Her arrangement brought the girl relief.
Due to the unfortunate experience, she was more sensitive than most of her peers. Staying near Meng Liang any longer would demand great courage from her. Jiang Pengji offering to let her stay in her yard was like a promotion––it significantly improved her working conditions.
Wages for servants varied according to their positions. Those in Second Langjun’s yard were given the most, which was more than double what the girl had been receiving. With an increased salary, she may even save herself some coins after sending money to her family.
“Thank you, Langjun.”
Jiang Pengji asked, “What’s your name?”
“I’m Ah Zhu,” replied the girl humbly.
Jiang Pengji repeated the name, and thought for a moment before asking, “Does it have a special meaning? Who gave you the name?”
Ah Zhu shook her head and replied, “I didn’t have a name before coming to this family. My name was given by an old servant in the kitchen who has been very kind to me.”
“Let’s call you something nicer, then.” Jiang Pengji began to ponder names. She already had Taxue and Xunmei. “What about Nongqin?”
The servant was illiterate, and knew not how to write the corresponding characters. Yet, she liked the name since it was given by Second Langjun. It sounded more beautiful than Ah Zhu.
Jiang Pengji was not tired yet, and she began chatting with Nongqin. “Did you always help with heavy work at home before you came here?”
“I’m very strong.” Nongqin appeared thin, but she had more strength than most girls. Otherwise, she would not have managed to beat her abuser with a hefty, red-painted stick. That also meant, however, that she ate more than usual girls did.
Jiang Pengji chuckled. “Oh, being strong is very nice.”
Nongqin was shy of her compliment. Her parents often scolded her for eating too much. What was worse, her grandmother believed she would only bring misfortune to the family, and thus listened to a slave trader and sold her away. In that way, the family could not only gain from selling her, but also from her monthly wages at the Liu’s. Still, they never cared about her days as a servant.
Jiang Pengji asked, “Are you interested in practicing kungfu with me?”
If she was going to change the world, she would have to start with the people surrounding her.
Who said females were inferior to males? While the girl had missed the best stage of acquiring basic skills, she was brave and strong, which were both essential qualities for Jiang Pengji. She was confident in her.
Nongqin was surprised, yet nodded.
Ever since Jiang Pengji had saved her, her life was hers.
“Yes, my Langjun!”
Jiang Pengji smiled with approval. “Very good.”
Nongqin did not understand why she suddenly beamed, but was glad she could make her happy.
Although Jiang Pengji had the power to assign a servant, she needed to inform the housekeeper about the change.
When Taxue learned about it, her eyes widened. “Langjun, you are teaching her kungfu personally?”
“I’ll teach her some techniques from time to time. That won’t cost much time.” Jiang Pengji smiled. “Nongqin is a diligent girl.”
Xunmei was doing embroidery near them, and glanced at Jiang Pengji. “Why would Langjun want a girl to learn such vulgar skills?” she complained. Others would doubt if she could be submissive enough to her future mother and father-in-law and to her husband. Besides, would she be competent in raising courteous children? The girl must blame you for ruining her marriage then.”
Jiang Pengji said cooly, “Why does she have to be submissive? And what does this have to do with nurturing her children?”
Before Xunmei replied, she remembered that they were of the same sex and realized that she had spoken too much.
“It’s funny how people think being respectful equals being submissive. If a woman can live comfortably with the dignity she deserves at her maiden home, why should she obey others like a servant at her husband’s house?” Jiang Pengji snorted with an affected mood.